As we all know, water is the healthiest and the most important beverage on the planet. Experts recommend us to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day in order to stay healthy and hydrated. It doesn’t mean that you have to drink plain water during the whole day. Fortunately, there are many foods that contain water, but you can also drink coffee, juice or tea.
However, you should have in mind that some of these beverages contain caffeine which is known to cause dehydration. Actually, it can cause you to lose water and stay dehydrated.
In this article we will talk about green tea and its impact on our health. We will tell you if green tea can dehydrate you or it will make you hydrated. Read along and you will find out soon but first we will tell you some things about green tea, its health benefits and potential side effects.
More about Green Tea
Green tea is made of the unfermented leaves of the plant called Camellia sinesis. Black and oolong teas are also products of this amazing plant. Green tea comes from China, but today it is used all over the world.
Green tea has long been known for its health benefits. It contains antioxidants and it can boost your overall health. Studies have shown that green tea can reduce cholesterol levels and it can improve your cardiovascular health.
Also, green tea can help you in weight loss and it is usually a part of many weight loss programs. It is high in catechins which can promote fat burning and increase your metabolic rate. Due to a large antioxidant content, green tea can also protect your cells from toxins and free radicals.
As you can see, green tea is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. But, it is important to drink it in moderation. Large amounts of green tea will have adverse effects.
Side Effects of Green Tea
Apart from all these health benefits, there are also some potential side effects associated with drinking green tea in large amounts. Due to a high content of caffeine, green tea consumed in large amounts can increase the risk for insomnia, but also tremors and many digestive problems. Also, some studies have shown that large consumption of green tea may interfere with the effects and absorption of some medications. Green tea can intensify, but it can also lessen the effects of different medications, which is not good for your health.
Also, if you drink green tea in large amounts, it can cause your body to absorb iron poorly, which is not good for your overall health. If you combine green tea with some other caffeinated beverages it will make you feel nervous and it can also elevate your blood pressure and heart rate. These are some of the potential side effects of drinking too much green tea. But, have you ever heard that green tea can also cause dehydration? Below you will find out.
Can GreenTea Cause Dehydration?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Although green tea can keep you hydrated and you can use it as a substitute for water, it can also cause dehydration. Have you ever wondered how is it possible? It is known that green tea is a natural diuretic so it helps in removing excess water from the body. Green tea is considered to be a very hydrating beverage but if consumed in moderation. One to three cups of green tea per day are okay, but if you drink large amounts of green tea, it can lead to dehydration.
Actually, drinking more than five cups a day will cause excessive urination and it will lead to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Dehydration can lead to lethargy, headaches, but also to altered heart rate and shock.
It is best to use water as your main beverage and not to drink more than 5 cups of green tea daily. Also, it is recommended to choose green tea that doesn’t contain caffeine.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, green tea can help you stay hydrated, but it is very important to drink it in moderation. It is recommended to drink three cups of green tea during the day because such amount will provide you with all necessary nutrients and it will keep you hydrated. But, if you drink too much green tea it is not good for your health.
As we have already said, large amounts of green tea can have many side effects, so you should be careful. You should always have in mind that water is the healthiest beverage and it makes up the biggest part of your body weight. We recommend you to enjoy your green tea, but remember that moderation is the key of a good health.
